The Addison Independent is proud to publish the Students of the Week from area High Schools each week. The students are chosen by teachers and administration from each school who would like to recognize their exceptional engagement in the high schools they attend.
MUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Middlebury Union High School is pleased to introduce Parker Beatty, son of Barbara and Martin Beatty, of Middlebury as its Student of the Week. Parker’s brother, Pierson, is a first year student at Hobart William Smith College in New York. Parker has contributed in many positive ways to the life of MUHS during his four years at the school.
The teachers at MUHS respect Parker for his dedication to his studies and his focused efforts in a rigorous curriculum. By the time he graduates in June, he will have completed six Advanced Placement classes, including five years of French. Parker is rounding out his senior year with two courses that he has found especially enjoyable, “Memoirs” with Ms. Downer, and “Design” with Mr. Slater. A talented student, Parker’s name regularly appears on the school’s Honor Roll and he is a member of the National Honor Society. He is actively engaged in food drives, community service, planning for winter carnival, and assisting with other school activities.
Parker has been a key member of the Tigers basketball team for four years. Basketball has always been a favorite sport and he values the friendships he has made with the other players. Parker played football for the Tigers for two years. During his free time, Parker enjoys reading, listening to music and being with his friends. He is a lifeguard at the town pool in the summer and teaches swim lessons to young children.
As a senior, Parker has served as a peer leader, mentoring the entering ninth-graders as they transition from MUMS to high school. His advice to students as they enter high school is simple: “Be patient, fall into the flow, take advantage of the wonderful teachers and enjoy every moment!” The future looks bright for Parker as he looks ahead to college. He plans on pursuing studies in math and science at a mid-size college or university in the Northeast.
The faculty and staff at MUHS know that Parker will continue to thrive as he moves on to college and wishes him the best.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Ben Clark as its Student of the Week. Ben lives in Waltham with his dad and mom, Tim and Mimi Clark. His younger sister Claire is in 6th grade at Vergennes Union Elementary School.
Ben has been on the honor roll every year of high school. He was inducted to the National Technical Honors Society last year. Ben challenged himself by taking both AP Calculus and AP Literature as a junior, and he took the first semester of AP U.S. History in 10th grade.
Ben is also involved in the Vergennes community. He played soccer in his 9th and 10th grade years, and has been a member of the rowing team since his junior year. Ben was the creator of the VUHS Makerspace. Ben also has a musical side. He has been in the Jazz band all four years and a part of the small group of the Commodore Singers since 10th grade.
Outside of school Ben has been a counselor at a summer camp the past two years. Last summer Ben volunteered on the Lois McClure canal schooner for a week on the Erie Canal. In 10th grade Ben participated in the school service trip to Costa Rica. Ben also loves to play the guitar, write music, and read about history. Ben is part of the Young Traditions Vermont Touring Group, which performs traditional music from various Celtic and North American traditions. Last year Ben toured Scotland, and this year he will tour New York and New Jersey.
Ben says this about his high school career, “My high school experience has taught me that while it is easy to simply go with the flow, one must be willing to step out of the box in order to succeed. My philosophy is that if things are not how you want them to be, change them. My advice to other students would be to start planning your future early so you know what to do to achieve it, and then you’re not constantly stressed out about it.”
Becky Ebel, Ben’s morning meeting teacher, says this about our Student of the Week, “Ben is quiet but influential, he sets a high standard for himself and has a wide variety of interests. From establishing and sustaining a STEM club, discussing the purpose and nature of education, to writing music, Ben brings intellectual curiosity and creative engagement to everything he pursues.”
Following graduation from VUHS Ben plans on going to college to major in robotics engineering. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Ben the very best in the future.
 
VUHS STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Vergennes Union High School is pleased to recognize Ben Clark as its Student of the Week. Ben lives in Waltham with his dad and mom, Tim and Mimi Clark. His younger sister Claire is in 6th grade at Vergennes Union Elementary School.
Ben has been on the honor roll every year of high school. He was inducted to the National Technical Honors Society last year. Ben challenged himself by taking both AP Calculus and AP Literature as a junior, and he took the first semester of AP U.S. History in 10th grade.
Ben is also involved in the Vergennes community. He played soccer in his 9th and 10th grade years, and has been a member of the rowing team since his junior year. Ben was the creator of the VUHS Makerspace. Ben also has a musical side. He has been in the Jazz band all four years and a part of the small group of the Commodore Singers since 10th grade.
Outside of school Ben has been a counselor at a summer camp the past two years. Last summer Ben volunteered on the Lois McClure canal schooner for a week on the Erie Canal. In 10th grade Ben participated in the school service trip to Costa Rica. Ben also loves to play the guitar, write music, and read about history. Ben is part of the Young Traditions Vermont Touring Group, which performs traditional music from various Celtic and North American traditions. Last year Ben toured Scotland, and this year he will tour New York and New Jersey.
Ben says this about his high school career, “My high school experience has taught me that while it is easy to simply go with the flow, one must be willing to step out of the box in order to succeed. My philosophy is that if things are not how you want them to be, change them. My advice to other students would be to start planning your future early so you know what to do to achieve it, and then you’re not constantly stressed out about it.”
Becky Ebel, Ben’s morning meeting teacher, says this about our Student of the Week, “Ben is quiet but influential, he sets a high standard for himself and has a wide variety of interests. From establishing and sustaining a STEM club, discussing the purpose and nature of education, to writing music, Ben brings intellectual curiosity and creative engagement to everything he pursues.”
Following graduation from VUHS Ben plans on going to college to major in robotics engineering. The faculty, staff and students of VUHS wish Ben the very best in the future.
 
Otter Valley Students of the week receive a gift certificate from the Book & Leaf Bookstore. Mt. Abe Students of the Week receive a free pizza from Cubbers. Vergennes Students of the Week receive a free sandwich and drink from 3 Squares Cafe. Middlebury Students of the Week receive a gift card from Route 7 South Sandwich Company. Students of the Week from all area high schools will receive a gift certificate from Vermont Book Shop.
With support from:
Bourdon Insurance Agency
Business Telephone Systems
Champlain Valley Plumbing & Heating
Countryside Carpet & Paint
J.W. & D.E. Ryan
Jackman Fuels Inc.
NFP Insurance, Benefits & Wealth Management
Peak View Eye Care
Route 7 South Sandwich Company
United Way of Addison County
Vermont Book Shop